Co-founder of Warhorse Studios criticizes template RPG games for teenagers

• Martin Klíma is tired of template RPGs for teenagers
• He believes that the genre often repeats the 'chosen one' formula
• Klíma criticizes Ubisoft for lack of innovation
• Hope for new ideas is placed on GTA 6 and Kingdom Come 2

Martin Klíma, one of the co-founders of the Czech studio Warhorse Studios, known for the project Kingdom Come: Deliverance, shared his opinion on the modern role-playing industry in an interview with PC Gamer. According to him, he is 'tired and bored' of games that represent a simple 'power fantasy' for teenagers.

The developer emphasized that he likes the RPG genre itself, but does not like its typical setup: the player acts as the 'chosen one' tasked with saving the world. Such scenarios, in Klíma's opinion, have become 'repetitive' and 'monotonous', losing interest even among dedicated fans.

Klim believes that many players are already tired of this formula and are looking for more original and mature projects. He noted that the audience for RPG games today is significantly older than in the early 2000s and demands new approaches to storytelling and gameplay.

Criticism of a major publisher

As an example, Klim mentioned Ubisoft, noting the high level of 'craftsmanship' in their products: the absence of bugs, quality animation, and detailed character models. However, he expressed disappointment that these resources are often spent on repetitive ideas rather than innovative concepts.

He reminded that he played the original parts of series such as Assassin's Creed, Far Cry и Watch Dogs, and at that time they were fresh and exciting. But after the tenth release, the formula starts to 'smell' of monotony.

Klim also expressed hope that the upcoming GTA 6 will be able to pave a new path for the industry, including justifying higher prices for original content and quality execution.

An example of an alternative approach is Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, receiving a score of 9 out of 10 from IGN. The game demonstrates that a historically accurate world and a complex, nonlinear plot can attract a mature audience without resorting to familiar 'chosen one' narratives.

In summary, Klim emphasized that the industry needs bold experimental solutions, but acknowledged the lack of 'easy answers' for large companies that have to balance financial risks and creative freedom.

Source: IGN